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‘Sanctuary’ restaurant planned for Blessed Sacrament

HYDE SQ.—A new restaurant is planned for the corner of Creighton and Centre streets on the Blessed Sacrament campus.

Centre Street Sanctuary, an “American-style bistro with a little bit of twist,” is expected to open at 365 Centre St. by Oct. 1, owner Adam Rutstein told the Gazette.

Sanctuary is planned to accommodate many different dietary requirements, including gluten-free and vegetarian, Rutstein said, along with an “extensive” half-bottle wine list.

The restaurant’s name, aside from a play on the former function of the Blessed Sacrament campus, the site of a former Catholic church, has a deeper meaning, Rutstein said.

“‘Sanctuary’ means a safe haven,” Rutstein said. “We want people to come in and feel comfortable.”

The menu will include “In the Beginning” (appetizers), “Selections” (entrees), “Creations” (specials) and “Temptations” (desserts), carrying the biblical theme further.

Rutstein, a West Roxbury resident, said he has always wanted to open a restaurant in Jamaica Plain.

“JP can be trendy, but it is a very down-to-earth community. It fits my mold,” he said. “And the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation [JPNDC] has been wonderful in helping me bring this business to fruition.”

The JPNDC has been developing the Blessed Sacrament campus since the church closed. Most of the developments have been affordable housing and retail space.

Sanctuary is currently in the permitting process for outdoor seating. Rutstein said he expects 12 to 20 seats.

The former Roman Catholic Church complex on Centre between Creighton and Westerly streets was closed eight years ago. The JPNDC and New Atlantic Development bought it.